Which place is cheaper, San Juan or San Jose?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit San Jose or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or San Juan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: San Jose or San Juan?
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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San Jose Prices
Costa Rica PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Jose $101San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in San Jose is $101, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Jose and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Jose $48San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Jose $96San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in San Jose and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in San Jose or San Juan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Jose Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Jose $19San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Montezuma: $300
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $299
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $297
- Private Transfer SJO Airport to Liberia Guanacaste Hotels Nearby: $295
- Transfer one way from San Jose or Airport to Hotel RIU Guanacaste : $295
- One-Way Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Uvita or Dominical: $290
- San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Monteverde - Arrival Private Transfer: $284
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $280
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $280
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Monteverde: $270
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from/to San Juan and Dorado (Cruise, Airport, Hotel) : $68
- Transfer from/to San Juan and Aguadilla or Rincón: $168
- Transfer from San Juan to South coast- Ponce or Guanica: $250
- Transfer from San Juan to Río Grande, Loíza or Luquillo: $135
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Airport Private Transfer from/to City Hotels: $70
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $267
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $80
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $267
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Arrival Private Transfer: $158
- SJU Airport Transfer To-From San Juan, Hotels, Airbnb, Ports: $24
- SJU Airport Private Transfer to Dorado: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into San Jose or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and San Jose change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySan Jose $30San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour visit Markets: $35
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- Family Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $55
- San Jose By Night tour Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $63
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum : $65
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $70
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $78
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $99
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $102
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Pinones Beach & Bar Hopping Food Tour: $56
- Puerto Rican food tasting and beginner cooking Tour: $99
- FlyDining: Sunset Dinner with Stunning Ocean Views (4 Courses): $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Jose $21San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Poas Volcano National Park Tour and Bird watching in Costa Rica: $166
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $40
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Combo Experience: Canopy & Rapell + Thermals: $65
- Arenal Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $295
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose: $197
- Braulio Carrillo Half Day Pass including Aerial Tram Tour: $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- • PR Rentals San Juan Bay: Day Cruise II | Drink & Snacks •: $949
- • PR Rentals San Juan Bay: Day Cruise | Drink & Snacks •: $939
- • PR Rentals San Juan Sunset Cruise II | Drink & Snack •: $949
- •PR Rentals Fishing Experience | Charter 4-HR | Fishing Trip: $1,600
- (Private) El Yunque Half-Day Tour with Transport / 7AM or 12PM: $125
- (Small Group) El Yunque HalfDay Tour with Transport / 7AM or 12PM: $95
- 6-Hour Tour Exploring the North Side of San Juan, Puerto Rico: $175
- ATV Ride Experience! : $270
- ATV Single Rider Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure to a Hidden Waterfall, Private Tour: $185
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Jose $16San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Exclusive Pub Crawl in San Jose : $34
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $37
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Puerto Rico: Ocean Lab Brewery and Tobaco Farm Tour: $139
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Jose Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Jose or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and San Juan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit San Jose or San Juan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit San Jose or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than San Juan. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Jose is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Jose 28°C (82°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Jose or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as San Juan. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. It's quite rainy in San Juan. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than San Juan. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, San Jose is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Jose in October average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Jose 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Jose or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than San Juan. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Jose 27°C (81°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit San Jose or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and San Jose during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. San Jose usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
San Jose is a little warmer than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Jose 29°C (85°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and San Jose
| San Jose | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.